Karen Gutierrez

Early voting begins Feb. 17 and runs until Feb. 27. Election day is set to be March 3.

With early voting underway, voters have their first opportunity to shape the ballot in what is expected to be a critical midterm election. But confusion about primary elections and frustration with political division often turns young voters away.  

National attention has turned to this year’s Texas primaries as both parties compete in closely watched U.S. Senate and congressional races. The elections also follow last year’s mid-decade legislative redistricting. 

By breaking down how primaries work and highlighting the most competitive races, this guide aims to make participation more accessible for students. Here’s what you need to know before heading to the polls. 

What are primary elections? 

For Texas, the primary election is the first step in shaping November’s ballot. In many places, the primary election can be the most competitive and decisive. 

Primary elections allow voters to participate in the selection of candidates who will represent their political parties in the November midterm elections.  

Voters can expect to choose candidates for positions such as U.S Congress, state legislature, statewide offices, district judges, and county-level leadership.  

How do Texas primaries work? 

Texas hosts partisan primary elections, which means that voters select a candidate for their political party only. However, because Texas uses an “open primary” system, voters are not required to register with a party ahead of time and may choose which party’s primary to participate in when they arrive at the polls. 

In Texas primary elections, candidates compete to earn their party’s nomination for the November midterm elections. A candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win; if no candidate meets the threshold, a runoff election is held for the top two candidates.  

The deadline to register to vote in the Texas primary was Monday, Feb. 2. Early voting runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, giving voters an opportunity to cast ballots before Election Day on March 3. 

Voters should bring their state-issued photo ID or passport. Friday, Feb. 20 is the last day to apply for a postmarked mail-in ballot, which can be mailed in until Feb. 27. 

Tarrant County voters can check voter registration status and download a sample ballot here. 

Races to Watch 

U.S. Senate 

The U.S. Senate race in Texas has become a closely watched contest this cycle. Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn will run against nine Republican candidates as he works to maintain his seat, while Democrats view this race as an opportunity to flip a senate seat. 

Democrat primary voters will pick between U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Dallas, state Rep. James Talarico from Round Rock, and Ahmad Hassan from Katy.  

The two frontrunners are Crockett, a lawyer and former state representative, and Talarico, a former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian. Although their policy views often align, their personalities present a stark contrast for voters. 

Crockett, who prioritizes affordability and healthcare, is seen as the tough fighter prepared to take on the Trump administration. Talarico is known to be moderate and has focused his campaign on the “top vs. bottom” over the “left vs. right”. 

Republican primary voters will pick between nine candidates, including incumbent John Cornyn. The frontrunners are Cornyn, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt of Houston. 

Paxton labels himself a, “fearless conservative… and a true defender of Texas values.” Paxton supports President Trump’s legislative agenda, but past legal troubles have sparked discussion during the campaign. 

Cornyn has 4 terms under his belt, and labels himself a reliable ally of President Trump. During this time, he “created a booming economy with millions of new jobs, passed the largest tax cut ever, unleashed American energy, worked to secure our border, and helped rebuild the military for our nation’s warfighters.” 

Hunt is an Army veteran currently serving in Congress, labeling himself a “fearless America First Fighter.” His priorities include cutting waste and securing the border. 

Texas Attorney General 

The attorney general is the top lawyer in Texas who represents or defends the state in civil litigation. This seat has not been open for about a decade. 

Democrats running for this seat include attorney Anthony “Tony” Box; lawyer and mediator Joe Jaworski; and state Sen. Nathan Johnson from Dallas. 

Republicans running for this seat include U.S. Rep. Chip Roy from Austin; state Sen. Joan Huffman from Houston; state Rep. Mayes Middleton from Galveston; and Aaron Reitz. 

Texas Comptroller 

The comptroller is responsible for managing Texas’ purse. They collect taxes, award state contracts, and forecast the money available for the state budget. 

This position is receiving increased attention because of the authority the comptroller will hold over the new Texas voucher program. The program will provide taxpayer money to fund children’s private school or home-schooling costs. 

Former State Sen. Kelly Hancock was appointed to serve as acting comptroller last year, with Taylor Rehmet filling his position after winning a special election last month. Hancock hopes to keep this position. 

Democrats running for this seat include high-level financier Michael Lange, educator Savant Moore and State Sen. Sarah Eckhardt from Austin. 

Republicans running for this seat include Kelly Hancock; Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick; former state Sen. Don Huffines, a Dallas Republican; and Michael Berlanga, an accountant, property tax consultant and real estate broker. 

Congressional Seats 

Following Texas’ mid-decade redistricting, some seats in North Texas were affected including Congressional Districts 30, 32, and 30. 

Why Students Should Vote 

As one of the most populous states in the country, Texas has a significant role in national political conversation, often shaping conservative policies and spotlighting prominent political figures. At the state level, Texas lawmakers make decisions that directly impact students, including policies regarding tuition, financial aid, and university funding.  

Primary ballots also include state and local offices that influence property taxes, public transportation, and community safety. These are all issues that directly impact the lives of students. 

Turnout in primary elections is usually lower than in the November general elections. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, only 18.35% of registered voters cast their ballot in the 2024 primaries, a decline from previous years. 

Young adults and students make up an even smaller number, meaning that they often go underrepresented. Increased participation from young adults could shift the issues that candidates choose to prioritize. 

Because of this, voting in a primary election can be one of the most effective ways to make student voices heard. For Texas Wesleyan students, this primary election is an opportunity to influence and shape their community and future.